Nationwide demonstrations against the presidency of Donald Trump
** rebelling against the red-capped ruler**
Across the USA, people stood up to President Donald Trump, taking part in the largest protest wave yet against his policies. On the day of Trump's military parade in Washington, organizers claimed more than five million participants in over 2,100 cities took part in demonstrations.
Saturday's protests were held under the slogan "No Kings," with critics targeting Trump's authoritarian style and his hardline immigration policy, which includes large-scale deportations.
Tumult in LA
Most protests remained peaceful, but events in downtown Los Angeles turned heated in the afternoon. Police resorted to tear gas outside a government building to disperse protesters, whom they accused of hurling stones and bottles. Several arrests were made in New York, according to CNN, while in Minnesota, a protest was canceled following attacks on two Democratic Party politicians. In Salt Lake City, Utah, police are investigating a shooting incident that left one person injured. Videos circulating on the internet show armed conflicts and people fleeing in panic.
Meanwhile, Trump celebrated his own military parade in Washington to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army and his own 79th birthday. Despite a majority of Americans opposing the parade, it was welcomed by Trump's Republican Party.
shouting for change
Thousands of protesters braved the rain in New York, with organizers estimating around 200,000 people on the streets. Chants of "This is what democracy looks like" could be heard repeatedly, alongside calls for Trump's impeachment. Signs targeted the immigration police ICE, with slogans such as "If I want a dictator, I'll ask my cat."
Crowds were also seen in cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and LA on TV footage. In Santa Monica, adjacent to LA, a reporter observed several thousand protesters, with music playing over loudspeakers and chants of "Donald Trump must go" echoing through the streets. Lesser-heard calls of "Fuck ICE" were also made, with the agency facing criticism for its raids and arrests.
NO KINGS ALLOWED
In San Francisco and Oakland, thousands took to the streets for protest marches under clear skies. At San Francisco's Ocean Beach, hundreds of protesters spelled out "NO KING!" in the sand. Celebrities including Mark Ruffalo and Glenn Close joined the protests, while Jimmy Kimmel marched with his parents wearing a "Make America Good Again" T-shirt.
Mayor of Oakland, Barbara Lee, spoke at a rally, stating, "We are here to remind our country that this is a democracy. No kings allowed." Mayor of San Francisco, Daniel Lurie, urged for peaceful protests and warned against any violence or destructive behavior.
refusing fascism
In Florida, protesters heading towards Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence were stopped by police. In the capital, Washington, no "No-Kings" events were planned, but the coalition "Refuse Fascism" organized a smaller demonstration. Meanwhile, in Miami, counter-protesters wished Trump a happy birthday. In LA, members of the National Guard deployed by Trump emphasized they were there to protect buildings, officials, and the right to peacefully assemble as guaranteed by the First Amendment.
As the movement against Trump's policies continues to evolve, the protests serve as a reminder of the diversity of concerns and issues driving citizens to stand up against the current administration. Stay tuned for further updates on this dynamic political landscape.
- Despite the appealing military parade in Washington, thousands of protesters across the nation continued to demonstrate against the politics of President Trump, shouting for change and refusing his authoritarian style, targeting his immigration policies and his hardline approach.
- The "No Kings" protests spread to various cities, with chants heard on the streets of New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, LA, Santa Monica, San Francisco, Oakland, and even Florida, indicating a general-news movement against the policies of the current administration.
